Judge delays Fort Hood shooting rampage trial

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) – A military judge has delayed until June the murder trial for the Army psychiatrist charged in the Fort Hood shooting rampage.

Attorneys for Maj. Nidal Hasan (nih-DAHL’ hah-SAHN’) argued Thursday they didn’t have all the evidence they needed to be ready for the March trial. Prosecutors insisted they didn’t need more time, noting one defense expert was hired nearly two years ago.

The defense had asked for a July trial, but the judge settled for June.

Hasan is charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder for the November 2009 attack at the Texas Army post. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

The 41-year-old Hasan remains jailed. He’s paralyzed from the waist down after being shot by police the day of the rampage.

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